Honda situated the Odyssey's foot-operated parking brake where my
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| Driving dynamics and high build quality more than make up for any minor layout issues. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
left foot and ankle like to migrate during long periods behind the wheel; I'd rather the parking brake be located away from the precious space allotted the driver's left foot. One final functionality criticism relates to the sub-standard cupholders in the Odyssey's forward cabin. The circumference of my stainless steel travel mug was too small to be held securely in either the center tray cupholders or the pullout cupholders built into the center stack of the dashboard. Although my cluster of minor utilitarian complaints isn't sufficient to stand between me and Odyssey ownership, their collective weight can be rankling. Completely complaint-free is the Odyssey's braking ability, which is arguably the most important performance dynamic of a family vehicle.
The
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| It may look odd, but this layout puts everything well within reach of a busy driver's hands. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
Odyssey is brought to a standstill by very effective, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, reinforced with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Pulling speed out of the Odyssey is as straightforward as it is with Honda sedans such as the Accord. With only minimal nosedive, emergency stops in the Odyssey were short and easily controlled. The electronics of its ABS program are immersed with the electronics managing Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) program and their electronic Traction Control System (TCS), both of which are standard equipment in all 2006 Odysseys. Add a comprehensive array of airbags to the electronically expanded margin of control, and Honda is entitled smugness in occupant safety.
The allotment of standard equipment airbags is comprised of dual frontal airbags; dual side airbags with passenger seat detection system and side curtain airbags extending over all three rows. Enhancing occupant protection even further is Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), which strengthens the vehicle's body structure to resist intrusion into and deformation of the cabin. Undertaking to keep occupants safe in family-oriented vehicles is an example of a business ethic deserving further transcendence within the auto industry. Many lives, particularly those of children, could be saved if all manufacturers committed to selling family haul'ers equipped one way: inclusive of all modern safety and occupant protection technology, period.
In addition to stocking each Odyssey, regardless of trim level,
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| Oddly-shaped glove box maximizes storage space. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
with a commendable assortment of safety and occupant protection provisions, Honda has fitted each unit with plenty of comfort and convenience components, such as steering wheel-mounted cruise control, keyless remote entry, power locks, power windows, heated side mirrors, heat rejecting tinted windows and dual sliding doors. Climbing out of the "LX" cellar leads into the luxuriously equipped EX and EX-L trim levels, the former of which is available with leather upholstery and the latter that comes with an optional rear DVD entertainment system and/or voice-activated navigation.
Capping-off the climb to Odyssey supremacy is the Touring edition, which, among the spoils of the EX-L, adds a standard DVD entertainment system with the option of navigation, and by the way that nav system comes with the rear camera arrangement discussed earlier in this report. Other nice touches in the realm of both "EX" and "Touring" include premium audio and Honda's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. How well does ANC work? Hard to say, as the Odyssey has never been an "unquiet" van. However, I can attest to very low levels of road and wind noise generated by my tester, making it a darling of long trips on the highway. Over and above the equipment included in the various trim levels, Honda offers an amazing variety of appearance and versatility-enhancing accessories.
